Lawmakers here and gone

Lawmakers just convened a week ago with a plate full of important challenges on issues including education, water and transportation, but the House and Senate have already broken for an extra-long weekend.

The House and Senate adjourned Tuesday and won’t be back until next Wednesday, Jan. 23, in large part to give Democratic lawmakers time to attend President Obama’s inauguration on Monday (which is also Martin Luther King Jr. day).

“Numerous Members have asked for time to attend the inauguration next week, as is usually the case,” said Jason Embry, spokesman for House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in announcing the schedule cited “those of our Democrat colleagues who are planning on going to Washington,” saying they also need time to return after the event.

Rep. Jessica Farrar of Houston, House Democratic Caucus leader, said she’s not leaving until Friday for the inauguration but that she appreciates the consideration given by GOP leaders.

“I think on the speaker’s part, it’s a generous gesture,” she said. “I’ll give him that.”

Farrar said it’s important that Texas Democrats attend the inauguration “because when you have (Gov. Rick) Perry and (Attorney General Greg) Abbott – your state leaders – constantly hammering on the federal government and on the president as well, specifically, it’s important that we show Texas may be a red state, but the president has a lot of support here.”

Dewhurst said despite the break in formal meetings by the full legislative bodies, he’ll be announcing committee assignments by Friday. Embry said Straus has begun meeting with House members to discuss committee assignments “and will continue to do so in the weeks to come.”

“I think that (the inauguration) is the outside story,” Farrar said “I think the inside story is they are going to figure out committee assignments. It’s a win-win, let’s put it that way.”